Located in the Champlain Valley, between Vermont's Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks, Middlebury is an elite liberal arts college recognized for its language and writing programs. Every summer, it hosts the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, which has featured writers such as Toni Morrison, George R. R. Martin and Anne Sexton.
Middlebury is known for promoting gap years, which allow students to defer enrollment to travel, work or volunteer. There's an entire February admissions cohort made up of students who choose to start college in the spring rather than the fall after taking a semester off.
The school does have a high price tag. Money estimates the net price of a degree tops $278,000 before factoring in federal and state aid. However, the college prioritizes meeting 100% of students' financial needs. On average, students receive $60,000 in gift aid, Middlebury says. Middlebury boasts a 93% six-year graduation rate, one of the highest of all the schools on our list.
The college’s bucolic setting offers easy access to both nature and a convenient collection of used bookstores, boutiques and coffee shops. Students can also head to Burlington for more nightlife and entertainment. Of course, studying in New England means ample opportunities to enjoy winter sports. The Middlebury Snow Bowl is popular for skiing, as is nearby Bread Loaf Mountain.
